Innovative School Districts

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Legislators are continuing efforts to develop a pilot program aimed at freeing school districts from rules and regulations that many claim impair creative teaching.

Republican legislators and school administrators say the program would foster creative ways to get more out of student achievement. The Kansas National Education Association and other detractors worry about the rights of teachers and whether such a proposal is even constitutional.

The plan would set up a five-year pilot program allowing up to 28 districts to form a coalition of innovative districts. They would apply to be part of the program, spelling out what their goals would be for improving student performance.

Senators approved the bill Thursday, sending it to the House for consideration.